History

From the early eighteenth century to the latter part of the nineteenth century, the development of policing generally followed the pattern of policing in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. During the first half of this period, men were appointed as constables to assist in the enforcement of government rules and regulations, and the apprehension of offenders. Night Watchmen were also assigned to protect the town of Nassau, capital of the British Crown Colony of the Bahamas, during the night.As early as 1729, there was a constable in New Providence. However, his duties seem not to have been as broad and well defined as the police of today. This constable was attached to the local Magistrate, Justices of the Peace and every other Government official. Indeed, he did very little on his own initiative and was probably at the bottom of the government ladder.

In 1799, an Act of the General Assembly (now called Parliament) declared that all constables would have the same powers as their counterparts in Great Britain....Read More